Internal heat exchanger with external manifolds

ABSTRACT

A heat exchanger includes a plurality of first plate assemblies interleaved with a plurality of second plate assemblies in stacked relation. Each of the plate assemblies includes a flow path for receiving a working fluid therein. Ports formed in each of the plate assemblies are aligned to form an external inlet manifold and an external outlet manifold in fluid communication with the flow paths. Leakage and contamination of the working fluids are minimized by separating the flow paths of the respective working fluids with adjoining double walls and by providing separate external working fluid manifolds.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a heat exchanger. More particularly, the invention is directed to a heat exchanger having at least one external manifold.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plate-type heat exchangers are used to transfer thermal energy between heat exchange working fluids. At least two heat exchange working fluid streams flow through separate flow passages defined between heat exchanger plates in the plate-type heat exchanger. Usually, the heat exchanger plates are arranged in a stacked relation, forming a part of the plate-type heat exchanger. The separate fluid passages are typically defined by working fluid ports formed in the heat exchanger plates and flow paths formed between the heat exchanger plates.

Heat transfer between the working fluid streams occurs in the area of a central heat transfer portion of the heat exchanger plates. To transfer thermal energy, a first working fluid stream flows through the ports on one side of the heat exchanger into a plurality of first flow paths formed by alternating heat exchanger plates. Simultaneously, a second working fluid stream flows through the ports on an opposite side of the heat exchanger into a plurality of second flow paths also formed by the alternating heat exchanger plates and separate from the first flow paths. Thus, heat is exchanged between the two working fluid streams counter flowing through the heat exchanger.

It would be desirable to develop a heat exchanger having an internal structure and at least one external manifold, which militate against contamination of a working fluid and damage to external systems, while minimizing cost and maximizing manufacturability of the heat exchanger, regardless of the conduit orientation, working fluid flow circuitry, or heat exchanger size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In concordance and agreement with the present invention, a heat exchanger having an internal structure and at least one external manifold, which militates against contamination of a working fluid and damage to external systems, while minimizing cost and maximizing manufacturability, has surprisingly been discovered.

In one embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises: a plurality of first plate assemblies including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a first fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies for receiving a first working fluid therein, wherein each of the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies includes a first surface and a substantially planar second surface, and wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the first plate assemblies are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other; and a plurality of second plate assemblies including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a second fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies for receiving a second working fluid therein, wherein each of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies includes a first surface and a substantially planar second surface, and wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the second plate assemblies are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other, the first plate assemblies interleaved with the second plate assemblies so that the substantially planar surfaces of the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies substantially contact the substantially planar surfaces of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies.

In another embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises: a plurality of first plate assemblies including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a first fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies for receiving a first working fluid therein, wherein each of the first plate and the second plate includes a first surface, a substantially planar second surface, and at least one first working fluid port formed therein, and wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the first plate assemblies are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other and the first working fluid ports of the first plate assemblies are substantially aligned to form a first external manifold, wherein the first external manifold is in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path for receiving the first working fluid therein; and a plurality of second plate assemblies including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a second fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies for receiving a second working fluid therein, wherein each of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies includes a first surface, a substantially planar second surface, and at least one second working fluid port formed therein, and wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the second plate assemblies are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other and the second working fluid ports of the second plate assemblies are substantially aligned to form a second external manifold, wherein the second external manifold is in fluid communication with the second fluid flow path for receiving the second working fluid therein, the first plate assemblies interleaved with the second plate assemblies so that the substantially planar surfaces of the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies substantially contact the substantially planar surfaces of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies.

In another embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises: a plurality of first plate assemblies including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a first fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies for receiving a first working fluid therein, the first fluid path including a fluid turbulation feature disposed therein, wherein each of the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies includes a first surface, a substantially planar second surface, and at least one first working fluid port formed therein, and wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the first plate assemblies are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other, and the first working fluid ports of the first plate assemblies are substantially aligned to form a first external manifold, wherein the first external manifold is in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path for receiving the first working fluid therein; and a plurality of second plate assemblies including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a second fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies for receiving a second working fluid therein, the second fluid flow path including a fluid turbulation feature disposed therein, wherein each of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies includes a first surface, a substantially planar second surface, and at least one second working fluid port formed therein, and wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the second plate assemblies are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other, and the second working fluid ports of the second plate assemblies are substantially aligned to form a second external manifold, wherein the second external manifold is in fluid communication with the second fluid flow path for receiving the second working fluid therein, the first plate assemblies interleaved with the second plate assemblies so that the substantially planar surfaces of the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies substantially contact the substantially planar surfaces of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a heat exchanger including a plurality of first plate assemblies interleaved with a plurality of second plate assemblies according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the heat exchanger illustrated in FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a heat exchanger including a plurality of first plate assemblies interleaved with a plurality of second plate assemblies according to the present invention showing alternative plate assemblies;

FIG. 4 is an exploded top perspective view of one of each of the plate assemblies of the heat exchanger illustrated in FIG. 3, wherein each of the plates assemblies has an upper plate and a lower plate;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternate lower plate of the first plate assemblies including a plurality of bead-like protuberances formed thereon;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an alternate lower plate of the first plate assemblies including a combination of spaced apart, inwardly angled elongate ribs and spaced apart, V-shaped ribs forming a substantially chevron-like shaped pattern;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an alternate lower plate of the first plate assemblies including a plurality of alternating partitions having a plurality of spaced apart, interdigited baffles formed thereon;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an alternate lower plate of the first plate assemblies including a plurality of fins formed thereon; and

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a heat exchanger including a plurality of first plate assemblies interleaved with a plurality of second plate assemblies showing an alternate configuration of inlet and outlet conduits of the heat exchanger of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.

FIGS. 1-3 show a heat exchanger 10 according to the present invention. The heat exchanger 10 shown is a chiller heat exchanger. However, it is understood that the heat exchanger 10 can be any type of heat exchanger used for any desired application such as automotive, commercial, residential, marine, aeronautical, and recreational vehicle applications, for example. The heat exchanger 10 includes a plurality of first plate assemblies 12 interleaved with a plurality of second plate assemblies 14, the arrangement of which is disposed between a pair of end plates 16, 18 in stacked relation.

Illustratively, the plate assemblies 12, 14 and the end plates 16, 18, have a generally rectangular shape, although it is understood that the plate assemblies 12, 14 and the end plates 16, 18 can have any shape and size as desired. It is further understood that the plate assemblies 12, 14 and the end plates 16, 18 can be formed from any suitable material such as a metal material, for example. A width and a length of the heat exchanger 10 shown depends on the shape and size of the plate assemblies 12, 14 and the end plates 16, 18 and a height of the heat exchanger 10 depends upon a height and number of the plate assemblies 12, 14 in the stack. The number of plate assemblies 12, 14 in the stack is determined based on a desired cooling, heating, and flow capacity of the heat exchanger 10. The heat exchanger 10 illustrated includes nine (9) of the first plate assemblies 12 and nine (9) of the second plate assemblies 14. It is understood, however, additional or fewer plate assemblies 12, 14 than shown can be employed if desired. Other plates can be employed if desired such as blocker plates, corner plates, spacer plates or transfer plates, for example.

Each of the plate assemblies 12 has an upper plate 20 and a lower plate 22 and each of the plate assemblies 14 has an upper plate 24 and a lower plate 26. In particular embodiments, the plates 20, 22 of the first plate assemblies 12 are substantially identical and the plates 24, 26 of the second plate assemblies 14 are substantially identical. In other embodiments, the plates 20, 22 of the first plate assemblies 12 are substantially identical to the plates 24, 26 of the second plate assemblies 14. Identical plates 20, 22, 24, 26 simplify manufacturing processes and minimize tooling costs involved in producing the plates 20, 22, 24, 26. It is understood, however, that at least one of the plates 20, 22, 24, 26 can be substantially distinctive if desired.

The upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 of the first plate assemblies 12 are spaced apart to define a flow path 28 for receiving a first working fluid (not shown) therein. Similarly, the upper plate 24 and the lower plate 26 of the second plate assemblies 14 are spaced apart to define a flow path 30 for receiving a second working fluid (not shown) therein. The working fluids can be any working fluids as desired such as any fluid used in an automotive application, a refrigerant (e.g. R12, R134a, etc.), a coolant (e.g. ethyl glycol), an engine oil, a transmission oil, a power-steering fluid, and the like, for example. In a non-limiting example, the first working fluid is a refrigerant and the second working fluid is an engine or battery coolant. In particular embodiments, the flow paths 28, 30 are substantially U-shaped and arranged in a counter-flow configuration in respect of one another to maximize flow distribution of the working fluids, and maximize heat transfer therebetween. It is understood, however, that the flow paths 28, 30 can be any suitable size and shape as desired. For example, a height, a length, and a width of the flow paths 28, 30 can be modified to accommodate the fluid properties, distribution, and pressure drop of the respective working fluids.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, each of the plates 20, 22 of the first plate assemblies 12 includes a first surface 32, a substantially planar second surface 34, and a pair of first working fluid ports 36, 38 formed therein. The first surface 32 of the plates 20, 22 may include a ridge portion 40 formed around an outer periphery thereof and a divider 42 formed between the fluid ports 36, 38 extending laterally into a central portion of the plates 20, 22. The plates 20, 22 are disposed in an overlying relationship and arranged with the first surfaces 32 facing each other so that the outer periphery of the plates 20, 22 and the dividers 42 thereof are in abutting engagement. The plates 20, 22 can be affixed in a substantially fluid-tight manner at any suitable location and by any suitable means. For example, the upper plates 20 can be brazed to the respective lower plates 22 along outwardly extending peripheral skirt portions 44, 46 of the respective plates 20, 22 as shown in FIGS. 1-2 or along the ridge portion 40 adjacent the skirt portions 44, 46 as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The ridge portions 40 and the dividers 42 shown further define the flow path 28 and direct the flow F of the first working fluid through the first plate assemblies 12.

Each of the plates 24, 26 includes a first surface 52, a substantially planar second surface 54, and a pair of first working fluid ports 56, 58 formed therein. The first surface 52 of the plates 24, 26 may include a ridge portion 60 formed around an outer periphery thereof and a divider 62 formed between the fluid ports 56, 58 extending laterally into a central portion of the plates 24, 26. The plates 24, 26 are disposed in an overlying relationship and arranged with the first surfaces 52 facing each other so that the outer periphery of the plates 24, 26 and the dividers 62 thereof are in abutting engagement. The plates 24, 26 can be affixed in a substantially fluid-tight manner at any suitable location and by any suitable means. For example, the upper plates 24 can be brazed to the respective lower plates 26 along outwardly extending peripheral skirt portions 64, 66 of the respective plates 24, 26 as shown in FIGS. 1-2 or along the ridge portion 60 adjacent the skirt portions 64, 66 as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The ridge portions 60 and the dividers 62 shown further define the flow path 30 and direct the flow F′ of the first working fluid through the second plate assemblies 14.

Each of the flow paths 28, 30 may include at least one fluid turbulation feature 70, as shown in FIGS. 5-8, disposed therein. It is understood that other fluid turbulation features 70 than shown can be employed as desired. The fluid turbulation feature 70 causes a turbulation of the working fluids and defines a plurality of non-linear flow paths within the flow paths 28, 30 to maximize an overall length of the flow paths 28, 30 and heat transfer between the working fluids. In certain embodiments, the fluid turbulation feature 70 is a plurality of surface irregularities formed in or on at least one of the first surface 32 of the plates 20, 22 and the first surface 52 of the plates 24, 26. Suitable configurations of the surface irregularities include, but are not limited to a plurality of bead-like protuberances as shown in FIG. 5 and a combination of spaced apart, inwardly angled elongate ribs and spaced apart, V-shaped ribs forming a substantially chevron-like shaped pattern as shown in FIG. 6. In other embodiments, the fluid turbulation feature 70 is a separate turbulator disposed between at least one of the plates 20, 22 of the first plate assemblies 12 and the plates 24, 26 of the second plate assemblies 14. Suitable configurations of the turbulator include, but are not limited to a plurality of alternating partitions having a plurality of spaced apart, interdigited baffles as shown in FIG. 7 and a plurality of fins as shown in FIG. 8.

To assemble the heat exchanger 10, the first plate assemblies 12 are stacked alternately with the second plate assemblies 14. The plate assemblies 12, 14 are arranged to closely nest with each other by positioning the plate assemblies 12, 14 substantially 180° opposite each other as shown in FIG. 4. In the nested position, the substantially planar second surfaces 34 of the first plate assemblies 12 sealing abut the substantially planar second surfaces 54 of the second plate assemblies 14. Accordingly, a double wall is formed between the flow paths 28, 30 while substantial contact between the substantially planar surfaces 34, 54 of the respective plate assemblies 12, 14 maximizes conductive heat transfer efficiency.

Additionally, in the nested position, the first working fluid ports 36, 38 of the first plate assemblies 12 are substantially aligned and brazed together to form an external inlet manifold 72 and an external outlet manifold 74. It is understood that a size and shape of the first working fluid ports 36, 38 can be modified to accommodate a change in the size and shape of the flow paths 28, 30 to ensure the assembling of and contact between plate assemblies 12, 14. The first working fluid inlet manifold 72 permits the first working fluid to flow into the flow path 28 and the first working fluid outlet manifold 74 permits the first working fluid to flow from the flow path 28. In certain embodiments, at least one baffle 75 is disposed in at least one of the first working fluid inlet manifold 72 and the first working fluid outlet manifold 74 to configure a multi-pass circuit within the heat exchanger 10 to maximize flow distribution of the first working fluid, and maximize heat transfer between the working fluids. For example, the baffles 75 can be used to configure a 2-pass circuit, a 4-pass circuit, and a 6-pass circuit within the heat exchanger 10 if desired.

An inlet conduit 76 is coupled to the heat exchanger 10 and in fluid communication with the first working fluid inlet manifold 72 to permit the working fluid to flow into the heat exchanger 10. An outlet conduit 78 is coupled to the heat exchanger 10 and in fluid communication with the first working fluid outlet manifold 74 to permit the first working fluid to flow from the heat exchanger 10. As illustrated, the conduits 76, 78 are received in respective openings formed in the end plate 16 to form a fluid-tight connection therebetween. It is understood that the conduits 76, 78 can be coupled to one of the end plates 16, 18 by any means as desired such as by brazing, soldering, welding, clamps, use of gasket, and the like, for example.

Similarly, the second working fluid ports 56, 58 of the second plate assemblies 14 are substantially aligned and brazed together to form an external inlet manifold 82 and an external outlet manifold 84. It is understood that a size and shape of the first working fluid ports 56, 58 can be modified to accommodate a change in the size and shape of the flow paths 28, 30 to ensure the assembling of and contact between plate assemblies 12, 14. The second working fluid inlet manifold 82 permits the second working fluid to flow into the flow path 30 and the second working fluid outlet manifold 84 permits the second working fluid to flow from the flow path 30. In certain embodiments, at least one baffle 85 is disposed in at least one of the second working fluid inlet manifold 82 and the second working fluid outlet manifold 84 to configure a multi-pass circuit within the heat exchanger 10 to maximize flow distribution of the second working fluid, and maximize heat transfer between the working fluids. For example, the baffles 85 can be used to configure a 2-pass circuit, a 4-pass circuit, and a 6-pass circuit within the heat exchanger 10 if desired.

An inlet conduit 86 is coupled to the heat exchanger 10 and in fluid communication with the second working fluid inlet manifold 82 to permit the second working fluid to flow into the heat exchanger 10. An outlet conduit 88 is coupled to the heat exchanger 10 and in fluid communication with the second working fluid outlet manifold 84 to permit the second working fluid to flow from the heat exchanger 10. As illustrated, the conduits 86, 88 are received in respective openings formed in the end plate 16 to form a fluid-tight connection therebetween. It is understood that the conduits 86, 88 can be coupled to one of the end plates 16, 18 by any means as desired such as by brazing, soldering, welding, clamps, use of gasket, and the like, for example. It is further understood that the conduits 76, 78, 86, 88 can be formed from any suitable material such as a metal material or a plastic material, for example. As illustrated, the conduits 76, 78, 86, 88 extend laterally outwardly from one side of the heat exchanger 10. It is understood, however, that, as shown in FIG. 9, each of the conduits 76, 78, 86, 88 and additional conduits if desired, can formed to extend from any side of the heat exchanger 10 in any direction and configuration as desired to minimize package size of the heat exchanger 10, simplify working fluid supply and return line connections, and permits close or direct mounting of thermal expansion valve blocks to the heat exchanger 10.

In operation, the first working fluid flows to the heat exchanger 10 through the inlet conduit 76 and into the inlet manifold 72 for the first working fluid. The first working fluid then flows into the flow paths 28 formed between the plates 20, 22. As the first working fluid travels through the flow paths 28, the first working fluid flows around the fluid turbulation feature 70 formed in the plates 20, 22, which cause the first working fluid to be turbulated. Thereafter, the first working fluid flows from the flow paths 28 through the outlet manifold 74 and into the outlet conduit 78 out of the heat exchanger 10.

Simultaneously, the second working fluid flows to the heat exchanger 10 through the inlet conduit 86 and into the inlet manifold 82 for the second working fluid. The second working fluid then flows into the flow paths 30 formed between the plates 24, 26. As the second working fluid travels through the flow paths 30, the second working fluid flows around the fluid turbulation feature 70 formed in the plates 24, 26, which cause the second working fluid to be turbulated. Typically, heat is transferred from the second working fluid to the first working fluid. It is understood, however, that in certain applications of the heat exchanger 10 such as in use in cold climates, for example, heat can be transferred from the first working fluid to the second working fluid if desired. Thereafter, the second working fluid flows from the flow paths 30 through the outlet manifold 84 and into the outlet conduit 88 out of the heat exchanger 10.

Accordingly, the heat exchanger 10 of the present invention minimizes leakage and contamination of the working fluids by separating the flow paths 28, 30 of the respective working fluids with adjoining double walls and by providing the external first working fluid manifolds 72, 74 separate from the external second working fluid manifolds 82, 84.

From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of first plate assemblies including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a first fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies for receiving a first working fluid therein, wherein each of the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies includes a first surface and a substantially planar second surface, and wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the first plate assemblies are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other; and a plurality of second plate assemblies including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a second fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies for receiving a second working fluid therein, wherein each of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies includes a first surface and a substantially planar second surface, and wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the second plate assemblies are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other, the first plate assemblies interleaved with the second plate assemblies so the substantially planar surfaces of the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies substantially contact the substantially planar surfaces of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies.
 2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the first plate assemblies are substantially identical.
 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the second plate assemblies are substantially identical.
 4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the first plate assemblies and each of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies are substantially identical.
 5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the flow paths is substantially U-shaped.
 6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a size of at least one of the flow paths is determined based upon flow characteristics of one of the first working fluid and the second working fluid.
 7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the flow paths includes at least one fluid turbulation feature disposed therein.
 8. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first plate assemblies are brazed together with the second plate assemblies.
 9. A heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of first plate assemblies including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a first fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies for receiving a first working fluid therein, wherein each of the first plate and the second plate includes a first surface, a substantially planar second surface, and at least one first working fluid port formed therein, and wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the first plate assemblies are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other and the first working fluid ports of the first plate assemblies are substantially aligned to form a first external manifold, wherein the first external manifold is in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path for receiving the first working fluid therein; and a plurality of second plate assemblies including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a second fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies for receiving a second working fluid therein, wherein each of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies includes a first surface, a substantially planar second surface, and at least one second working fluid port formed therein, and wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the second plate assemblies are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other and the second working fluid ports of the second plate assemblies are substantially aligned to form a second external manifold, wherein the second external manifold is in fluid communication with the second fluid flow path for receiving the second working fluid therein, the first plate assemblies interleaved with the second plate assemblies so the substantially planar surfaces of the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies substantially contact the substantially planar surfaces of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies.
 10. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the first plate assemblies are substantially identical.
 11. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the second plate assemblies are substantially identical.
 12. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the first plate assemblies and each of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies are substantially identical.
 13. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the flow paths is substantially U-shaped.
 14. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein a size of at least one of the flow paths is determined based upon flow characteristics of one of the first working fluid and the second working fluid.
 15. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the flow paths includes at least one fluid turbulation feature disposed therein.
 16. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the first plate assemblies are brazed together with the second plate assemblies.
 17. A heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of first plate assemblies including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a first fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies for receiving a first working fluid therein, the first fluid flow path including at least one fluid turbulation feature disposed therein, wherein each of the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies includes a first surface, a substantially planar second surface, and at least one first working fluid port formed therein, and wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the first plate assemblies are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other, and the first working fluid ports of the first plate assemblies are substantially aligned to form a first external manifold, wherein the first external manifold is in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path for receiving the first working fluid therein; and a plurality of second plate assemblies including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a second fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies for receiving a second working fluid therein, the second fluid flow path including at least one fluid turbulation feature disposed therein, wherein each of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies includes a first surface, a substantially planar second surface, and at least one second working fluid port formed therein, and wherein the first plate and the second plate of each of the second plate assemblies are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other, and the second working fluid ports of the second plate assemblies are substantially aligned to form a second external manifold, wherein the second external manifold is in fluid communication with the second fluid flow path for receiving the second working fluid therein, the first plate assemblies interleaved with the second plate assemblies so the substantially planar surfaces of the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assemblies substantially contact the substantially planar surfaces of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assemblies.
 18. The heat exchanger according to claim 17, wherein the at least one fluid turbulation feature is a plurality of surface irregularities formed on the first surface of at least one of the plates of at least one of the plate assemblies.
 19. The heat exchanger according to claim 17, wherein the at least one fluid turbulation feature is a turbulator disposed between the plates of at least one of the plate assemblies.
 20. The heat exchanger according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the first external manifold and the second external manifold of at least one of the first plate assemblies and the second plate assemblies includes at least one baffle disposed therein. 